Parkland Community Honors 17 Victims 8 Years After Tragedy

Survivors and families continue to grieve and find support in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Parkland community is commemorating the 17 victims killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine's Day 2018, marking the 8-year anniversary of the tragic shooting. Survivors and families of the victims continue to struggle with the loss, with the Eagles Haven Wellness Center providing ongoing support to nearly 4,000 people impacted by the event. People are still visiting the memorial outside the school to pay their respects, with the focus being on remembering the victims' lives and legacies rather than the tragedy itself.

Why it matters

The Parkland shooting was a devastating event that deeply impacted the local community and sparked a national conversation about gun violence and school safety. Eight years later, the community continues to grapple with the trauma and loss, highlighting the long-term effects of such tragedies and the importance of providing sustained support and resources for survivors and families.

The details

The Eagles Haven Wellness Center has held an annual dove release to honor the victims and survivors since it opened a year after the shooting. The center has helped nearly 4,000 people cope with the ongoing impacts of the tragedy. People continue to visit the memorial outside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to pay their respects, with the focus being on remembering the victims' lives and legacies rather than the details of the shooting.

  • The Parkland shooting occurred on Valentine's Day 2018.
  • The 8-year anniversary of the tragedy was commemorated on February 14, 2026.

The players

Tony Montalto

Father of victim Gina Montalto, who was killed in the Parkland shooting.

Rebecca Jarquin

Director of the Eagles Haven Wellness Center, which was created to support the Parkland community after the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“We miss her every day. Her bright smile. Her laughter.”

— Tony Montalto, Father of victim Gina Montalto (CBS News Miami)

“There is no timeline for grief, and when you lose somebody. You're gonna need constant support for the long term.”

— Rebecca Jarquin, Director, Eagles Haven Wellness Center (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

The Parkland community will continue to honor the victims and support survivors through annual events and the ongoing work of the Eagles Haven Wellness Center.

The takeaway

The Parkland shooting tragedy has had a lasting impact on the community, with survivors and families still grappling with the loss and trauma years later. The importance of providing long-term support and resources for those affected by such events is highlighted, as the community works to remember the victims' lives and legacies rather than the tragedy itself.